Maslow's Humanistic Hierarchy

Abraham Maslow (April 1, 1908 - June 8, 1970)
Born: Brooklyn , New York

• Oldest of seven siblings
• Parents are uneducated Jewish immigrants from Russia
• Unhappy childhood due to isolation, Jewish child growing up in non Jewish neighborhood
• Most of childhood spent in library
• Institutions: Cornell Univ, Brooklyn College, Brandeis, Columbia Univ, Univ of Wisconsin

Maslow believed that human behavior is a reflection of the hierarchy of needs, (explained below). One has to start at the bottom and has to at least partially satisfy the needs of each level before they can advance.


Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
1.) Physiological Needs-

• basic needs vital to survival- food, sleep, etc.
• most instinctive needs
• all other needs become secondary until physiological needs met

2.) Security Needs-

• needs for safety
• important for survival- not as demanding as physiological needs
• i.e.- health insurance, safe neighborhoods, steady employment

3.) Social Needs-

• needs for belonging, love, affection
• less basic than physiological and security needs
• relationships help fulfill need for companionship and acceptance
• involvement in social, community, or religious groups also fulfill need

4.) Esteem Needs-

• only really important after first 3 needs already satisfied
• needs for things that reflect:

-self-esteem
-personal worth
-social recognition
-accomplishment

5.) Self-actualizing Needs (not all people will reach this stage)-

• people who are:

-self-aware
-concerned with personal growth
-interested in fulfilling own potential
-less concerned with opinions of others

Neurosis

• Refers to a condition where there is some form of anxiety characteristic.
• One can not move on the next level of the Hierarchy of Needs unless they fulfill most of the previous stage.
• If one does not fulfill most of the Hierarchy of Needs then it can lead to anxiety and stress.